Choosing An Acupuncture Therapist
In the USA Medical practitioners are allowed to provide acupuncture treatment after a basic training of 200-300 hours.
Choose a practicing member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) or one who is certified by the American Board of Medical
Acupuncture Organizations, such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance and The
American Association of Oriental Medicine. These organizations provide lists of credentialed acupuncture practitioners.
If you choose a licensed acupuncturist who is not an MD check that your practitioner has been certified by The National Certification Commission
for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Alexandria, Virginia, and gets continuing education in the field. Naturopaths and chiropractors
should have at least 200 hours of training and be approved by their state licensing boards. UK residents click here to locate an acupuncture treatment center.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are metallic and sterile, used once and discarded. Needles are solid (not hollow, as are hypodermic or vaccination needles) and are only slightly larger than the width of human hair. Patients can feel the needle touching the skin, but there is no pain. It isn’t a tall like having an injection.
When the needle locates the trigger point, there may be a “grabbing” sensation, followed by a relaxed, heavy feeling and overall body warmth. Some patients even fall asleep during treatment. Side effects are rare, but there may be some soreness or light headedness following treatment.
